Trevor J. Schwehr Leadership and Character Scholarship

On July 10, 2023, Trevor Schwehr lost his life after a 4-year battle with brain cancer. While his life was cut far too short, Trevor accomplished more than most in his 25 years. This scholarship aims to honor brothers in the Utah Alpha chapter of Phi Delta Theta by ensuring Trevor’s legacy of commitment to our fraternal values is everlasting and inspiring.

Trevor was born and raised in Star, Idaho to Ed and Patty Schwehr, the middle child of three. Trevor grew up camping, boating, hunting with his Dad, and renovating rental houses with his family. He learned early that there was no play without work. In high school, Trevor excelled academically, had friends in every social group, and was a star in football and lacrosse. Graduating second in his class, Trevor was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” and was chosen to speak at graduation by his classmates. There were difficulties and losses along the way, but he knew he always had his parents, older sister Megan, and younger brother Devin to be there for each other.

Trevor attended the University of Utah on a full academic scholarship and joined the Utah Alpha chapter of Phi Delta Theta during the Fall of 2016. During Trevor’s time in Phi Delta Theta, he was elected and served as the chapter’s Phikeia Educator, Vice President, and Philanthropy Chair. Trevor led a philanthropic campaign that raised over $11,000 for the ALS Association and the Utah Alpha chapter of Phi Delta Theta earned the prestigious Iron Phi Award in 2018. Trevor received the J. Willard Marriott Leadership and Scholarship award in 2019 for outstanding scholastic and leadership achievements and was named the Phi of the Year in 2020. Tom McKevitt who served as the Alumni Chapter Advisor during Trevor’s time in Phi Delt noted, “Trevor was an inspirational leader and knew how to motivate other Executive Officers to do their jobs.”

In the future, Trevor aspired to pursue a Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins and become an entrepreneur in the medical robotics space. It is beyond reasonable doubt from anyone who worked with or met Trevor that he could accomplish anything he set his mind to. After being diagnosed with brain cancer, Trevor channeled his passion and determination to advance the field of medical robotics to help others in similar situations. Trevor channeled his passion for robotics and determination to be part of the solution to treating his brain cancer into a lifelong mission to improve patient outcomes, empower practitioners, and progress the medical robotics community.

Beyond Trevor’s academic, research, leadership, and athletic achievements, he embodied what it meant to be a  loving son to Ed and Patty, partner to the love of his life, Cate, brother to Devin and Meg, cousin, nephew, philanthropist, brother in the bond, and friend to everyone lucky enough to know him. His close relationship with God was equally inspiring and allowed Trevor to find peace in his final days. It is rare to find someone so brilliant and equally humble, as with all that Trevor accomplished, he never asked for recognition for his outstanding accomplishments and service to local community members. He imprinted warmth, love, and kindness on everyone he met. He was the true embodiment of selflessness and humility, never too busy to comfort someone in their time of need or to celebrate the achievements of others. Even in his final days, Trevor never complained and continued to put the needs of others before himself, such as apologizing for needing help. While delivering his son’s eulogy, Ed said “I learned more from my son than he did from me.” 

We hope that through this scholarship, Utah Alpha brothers in the bond will remember Trevor and be inspired to be their personal best while being there for others in need. Additionally, we hope that recipients of this scholarship will embrace Trevor’s legacy of striving for excellence, sharing compassion, and devotion to serving others that Trevor displayed throughout his life.

In coelo quies est.